February 23, 2010

(3 of my bettas in a 15 gallon divided tank a fraternity -5 gallons each before it was completely decorated)

Proper Betta Housing: Just because you see a betta in a small tank or a cup means they don’t need space- that is a myth. !! I can’t stress this enough– A Vase is NOT a proper betta habitat.

Bettas like all fish need space ! Little Betta cubes or anything like a cup or decorative tanks are NOT ideal habitats for bettas!! That is like you living in the worlds smallest bathroom with not much space to move

<- Picture yourself living here everyday for the rest of your life. Not a fun time is it?

What is Ideal Betta Housing : Always remember this, The smaller the tank the more water changes you need to make. 2.5 Gallon tanks and up are the way to go, but remember if unfiltered, you need to change the water a minimum of twice a week. Bettas do well in 5 gallon tanks and up (my bettas live in 10 & 20 gal tanks. If unfiltered, Always do a 100% water change, Once a week.

These tanks are A Betta’s Worst Nightmare!!

These are a few of those betta tank decors which are Horrible for bettas to live in. Plus bettas are known to Jump, so open tank tops are a Bad thing!! Would you put a large dog in a small dog carrier? No? then why put a betta in a small tank?

An Example of a Proper bett home: 10 gallon Betta Setup: (divided at the time since i had one male and a few females)

The following list is what every betta (and betta owner) needs to thrive-

*Any 2.5 gal tank or Larger– A spacious tank makes for a happy betta

*Water Conditioner & (or)Freshwater Aquarium salt – conditioning the water is a must, and Some people use aquarium salt, because they believe it good for bettas who have Fin-rot (fin rot will be explained in an upcoming post)

*A Clear Cup : As it is much better to cup a betta than to net them because their fins can get caught or ripped.

* Filter (depends on the betta): Some people use filter, while others dont. However if you’d like to have a filter, Sponge filters are best for a betta, there is no better filter in my opinion. Make sure you have an adjustable flow control (keep it on low) because, while some bettas handle current nicely, others simply do not.

*Silk plants and/or real plants (Java moss and fern are a favorite for betta owners. Fake plants tend to rip the long fins of bettas.

* Cave or Two: Just like us humans, bettas like to have their own “private time“ (in my case i have a submarine some of my girls like to hide in and under the submarine)

Filling and Setting up:(THIS IS IMPORTANT) When you add water for the first time and do water changes and/or use Tap water, ALWAYS add a Water Conditioner because it helps take out any Nasties which are in your water, that are not good for your betta. I use either Betta Safe or Splendid Betta complete water conditioner both which are good, but there are other conditioners which are usually betta safe)

All betta tanks should have Silk or real plants- which are better for bettas because of their long flowing fins, bettas tend to get their fins caught on the plastic ones, (different types if you like) and a cave or two for hiding. Bettas also like things that float (and make sure it’s betta safe, like a ping pong ball or a large marble.) Believe it or not keeping a betta’s mind stimulated (changing the environment around, adding new and different decor, new “toys”) will keep them happy, because sometimes bettas get bored and that can lead to destructive behaviors (like tail biting).

So what do I feed my betta?

Bettas are carnivores, They eat a variety of food which keeps them healthy and happy, You can purchase, Pellets (I feed my Hikari pellets), Bloodworms (live or frozen)and Brine Shrimp (live of Frozen) at your local pet store. As for Pellets and other food, Bettas should be every fed 5-6 days– with one day for fasting. Only 2 or 4 pellets a day (you can do 2 in the morning and again at night. (so don’t overfeed cause your risking constipation and that could lead to other problems) Just keep watch, when bettas are full their stomach swells just alittle bit.

Anything else?- Yes Remember to Love your betta, watch them as they swim and care for them as they are now apart of your family. I advise you to join a Betta forum- share with others, get more advice and make some friends.

*I hope you take in all this information, as when you care care for a bettas properly, you give your betta happy start at their life with you.